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Re: adult students

Author: rickw48
Date: 2009-02-20 13:03

I'm a re-returning oboist. Last time was for about four years from 1996, having not played since 1984 (when I'd studied it full time). Currently I've been playng again since christmas. The big difference I've noticed is that the breathing and support are coming back much quicker . I think this is because, inspite of being nearly 50, I'm in much better shape physically than I was when in my 30s. Largely this is down to commuting about 80 miles a week on my bike.

I'm wondering if this is the heart of the matter for your student (I'm not suggesting, btw, that she suddenly starts training for the Tour de France). There's no doubt that the years take their toll and what you took for granted as a student, you certainly notice the lack of later on. Your student might find that taking some pilates classes would help to develop muscle tone, as the key focus there is on strengthening the core muscles.

And maybe she could try some long, loud low register notes with a deliberately relaxed embouchure, teeth very slightly further apart, just to check that she isn't smothering the vibrations of the reed. I noticed that when I started again I was very aware of how awful I was sounding and had to resist the temptation to muffle the sound.

Good luck

Richard

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